So far, only one of Idaho’s public universities has publicly announced that it is restructuring its diversity equity and inclusion offices. (Christina Lords / Idaho Capital Sun)
The Idaho State Board of Education is considering adopting a resolution that would address concerns from lawmakers and Idahoans about existing diversity, equity and inclusion programs in Idaho’s public universities.
In a special meeting Thursday, the board met to discuss three draft resolutions, including one meant to consolidate and affirm existing Idaho policies related to diversity, equity and inclusion into one document.
The proposed resolution would direct public Idaho universities to maintain equality of opportunity for all students; ensure that no central offices, policies, procedures or initiatives are dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion; ensure student success centers are dedicated to all students; and ensure that no employee or student is required to declare gender identity or preferred pronouns.
Thursday’s meeting was the board’s first read of the resolution, and it will take time and feedback from stakeholders before it is finalized and voted upon.
Board Executive Director Joshua Whitworth said at the meeting the draft resolutions are based on similar activity in other states such as Utah and Texas. In Utah and Texas, there are laws that restrict diversity, equity and inclusion programs in state universities and public institutions.
“The purpose is to ensure that we are providing support for all of our students and that our institutions are defending core principles of freedom of expression by not taking sides on contentious issues, but rather facilitating constructive discussions and civil and rigorous debate on our public campuses,” Whitworth said.
Board President Linda Clark said in a press release that the board has heard concerns from lawmakers and Idahoans about the issues addressed in the draft resolutions.
“These concerns are being expressed not only in Idaho, but in many states across the nation,” Clark said in the release. “We will work with our institutions to collect input, and the Board will make a decision during a future Board meeting.”
DEI-restricting policies already in place
Idaho has laws already in place preventing state funds from supporting diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
In 2023, the Idaho Legislature passed Senate Bill 1176, an education budget bill for the state’s public universities. It also prohibited state funding for activities tied to diversity, equity, or social justice, Idaho Education News previously reported.
In the 2024 legislative session, Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed Senate Bill 1274 into law. The law prevents higher education institutions in Idaho from requiring diversity statements as a condition of employment or student admission.
What does the draft resolution NOT do?
The draft resolution comes at a time when topics of diversity, equity and inclusion have increasingly been on the radar of Idaho lawmakers.
During the 2024 legislative session, three legislators — Sens. Scott Herndon, R-Sagle; Brian Lenney, R-Nampa; and Rep. Elaine Price, R-Coeur d’Alene — sponsored Senate Bill 1357. The bill would have prohibited diversity, equity and inclusion programs in Idaho colleges and universities, and it specifically named diversity programs and positions to eliminate across Idaho universities.
The bill did not receive a hearing, and it did not make it to either floor.
The board’s draft resolution is not a replica of that bill, Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield told the Sun.
“It’s definitely not an apples-to-apples comparison,” Critchfield said. “I think that particular piece of legislation did call upon very specific actions to take place relative to certain populations. I’m taking this resolution as reaffirming the role of education at the state level that we have a student-centered system.”
Critchfield said “nothing about the resolution” forces an immediate action as far as closing any programs or diminishing support groups meant to help students.
“In no way are we saying that those programs should go away,” Critchfield said.
Critchfield said she wants any student coming onto an Idaho campus to feel welcome, and the resolution reaffirms the idea that Idaho universities won’t give special attention to certain groups while acknowledging that different groups of students have unique needs.
How are Idaho universities addressing DEI concerns?
So far, only one of Idaho’s public universities has publicly announced that it is restructuring its diversity equity and inclusion offices.
On Nov. 14, Idaho State University announced it would reorganize its Office of Equity and Inclusion, renaming it the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX. Programs from the university’s Diversity Resource Center and Gender Resource Center will be integrated into broader student support services, according to the university.
It is unclear if other Idaho universities are making similar moves.
Boise State University spokesperson Stephany Galbreaith told the Sun Thursday evening that the university is committed to serving all students, but she did not address if the university has restructuring plans.
“We are aware of the resolutions that were presented at today’s Idaho State Board of Education meeting and will provide feedback,” she said in an email.
University of Idaho spokesperson Jodi Walker said the university is discussing how to meet the expectations of the board and the Idaho Legislature.
“Among those conversations is closure of our DEI-related units,” Walker told the Sun in an email Thursday evening. “In light of the information provided at today’s board meeting, we are evaluating our options and working with the board to provide input and feedback to their resolution. Ultimately, we will comply with any resolutions or policies they establish.”
Lewis and Clark State College spokespeople could not be immediately reached for comment.
Diversity, equity and inclusion is expected to remain a prominent topic in the 2025 legislative session. Idaho lawmakers are scheduled to meet at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 2 at the Idaho State Capitol to discuss “DEI.”
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